When Grief Calls You Home

November 26, 2025

In this episode, I talk with the luminous Harper A. Bailey, whose debut memoir It Was Her poured straight into my heart. We talk about the dream that sparked her writing, the spiritual co-creation behind her pen name, and the moment she realized her story wasn’t just hers, it was meant to unlock stories in […]

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 Finding Yourself Again After Childhood Trauma

There are some wounds that change the course of a life, and some healing journeys that change it again. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, I sit down with author and memoirist Heather Conn to talk about surviving childhood incest, the long and layered process of healing, and the unexpected path that eventually led her toward forgiveness. Heather shares how years of therapy, body-based healing, creativity, meditation, writing, and spiritual practice helped her reconnect with herself after trauma disconnected her from her body, emotions, and relationships.

Together, we talk about the difference between forgiveness and condoning harm, the complexity of family relationships, the courage it takes to tell the truth, and why healing is never linear. Heather also opens up about the backlash she received after publishing her memoir, “No Letter in Your Pocket,” and why she chose compassion anyway.

Please take care of yourself as you move through this episode.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why forgiveness is not the same thing as excusing harm
  • How compassion and accountability can coexist
  • What “bearing witness” means in healing trauma
  • The impact of family silence and emotional suppression
  • What survivors should consider before telling or publishing their story
  • How forgiveness helped Heather reclaim joy, peace, and self-understanding

Heather will send a free copy of “No Letter in Your Pocket” to the first message she receives on her website! Visit: www.heatherconn.com

Get your copy of “No Letter in Your Pocket”: https://www.amazon.com/Letter-Your-Pocket-Memoir-Biography/dp/177183787X

Follow Heather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SixStinkyFeetandaSasquatch

Connect with Heather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hconn/

Watch “Journey to Forgiveness”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Ukq86zVdo

Disclaimer

The Brenda Reiss Podcast and content posted by Brend Reiss is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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Brenda Reiss is a Forgiveness Coach and author of “Forgive Yourself” and “Journey to Your Heart Space” and host of the “Forgive Yourself Podcast”. She facilitates workshops and group programs that guide women from being stuck in guilt, resentment, and self-sabotage to feeling freer, more expanded and ready to share themselves and their passions with the world.
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